Lake Mary WR Nick Westbrook commits to Indiana

By Chris Hays | Florida RecruitingOrlando Sentinel

CaptionNick Westbrook, Through the Years

Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel

Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook (18) makes a catch over Mainland cornerback Bryan Gregory (20) during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Mainland cornerback Bryan Gregory (20) breaks up a pass in the endzone intended for Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook (back) during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Mainland cornerback Bryan Gregory (20) breaks up a pass in the endzone intended for Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook (back) during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) (Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel)

Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook (18) breaks free after a catch during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook (18) breaks free after a catch during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) (Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel)

Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook runs after a catch during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Lake Mary wide receiver Nick Westbrook runs after a catch during the Mainland High at Lake Mary High School football game on Friday, August 22, 2014.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) (Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel)

He was recruited to Indiana by offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Kevin Johns.

"He really likes my height and my deep-threat abilities and my ability to spread the field out more," Westbrook said. "He just said he feels that I fit their program."

Westbrook had a breakout junior year, even though the Rams moved the ball more on the ground during a year that saw them go unbeaten in the regular season and two rounds deep in the playoffs. He had 52 receptions for 826 yards (15.88 yards per catch) and scored 13 touchdowns.

He visited Indiana earlier this month and it was difficult to narrow his choices, but Indiana stood out in the end.

"Each team had a special feature that appealed to me and it was hard deciding which one outweighed the others," Westbrook said. "I also had built strong relationships with other coaches at other schools, so it was hard turning them down."

Westbrook said he had called the other schools high on his list to let them know of his decision.

"It was hard, but most of the coaches understood. They understand it's my decision and it's what I feel is best for me," he said. "Most of the coaches, on my visits, told me, 'If you are not comfortable coming here, then it doesn't really help either of us.' They just wanted what was best for me."

He will join fellow Seminole County athlete Greg Gooch at Indiana. Gooch signed with the Hoosiers in February and so far has had an impressive preseason camp in Bloomington.

Westbrook had 15 offers total and said he enjoyed the recruiting process, during which he was a bit frustrated early last spring when he had no offers, only to watch his stock soar in April and May.